July 22, 2011

Jennifer's Body (2009)

"A newly possessed cheerleader turns into a killer who specializes in offing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?"

You can say what you like about Megan Fox's weird thumb nails, how bad her skin looks close-up or how she isn't the greatest actress but I think we know that it's only because you are jealous. Megan Fox is hotter than 90% of the rest of the world except, perhaps, where I am right now which is still over 100°F at 7.30pm. Yes, the weather is slowly killing me and any desire I have to write horror movie reviews.

Remember that "Twilight Zone" episode called "The Midnight Sun" where the world keeps getting hotter? Not only does the current heatwave remind me of it but so does "Jennifer's Body". Everything about the film is uber hot to begin with but Megan gets even sexier as it continues. Thus, I had no choice today. I had to rewatch it.

Yes, I like Megan Fox, ok? She can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. Even getting kicked off that stupid "Transformers" movie was, albeit involuntarily, one of the best choices she has made in her career. "Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon" (2011) royally sucked so she was better off not being in it.

"Jennifer's Body" has been described as a satire rather than being a serious horror movie but, since I have no sense of humour, I don't see that at all. Although there are a lot of darkly comedic moments here and there, it's stylistically not a million miles away from "Ginger Snaps" (2000). It's a girls' horror movie for sure, written and directed by women, but it's still definitely a horror and not a comedy.

It may surprise a few people, since "Jennifer's Body" isn't really the kind of thing that I normally like, but, having watched it a few times now, I've actually enjoyed it more each time. Of course a lot of it has to do with ogling Megan Fox rather than paying attention to anything else but that doesn't exclude the fact that it has excellent production values, is well written, and is a very watchable film.

I know everybody says that Amanda Seyfried is the real star of the show but I disagree. I didn't like her performance as Needy at all at first though repeated viewings have changed that slightly. Needy is not an attractive character to me nor is her boyfriend or any of the other teenagers for that matter. I can't identify with them anyway because of my age and cultural differences but I'm pretty sure that they are nothing but two-dimensional, disposable stereotypes. If American high schools are really like the ones I've seen in movies, full of jocks, nerds, and emos, then I'm glad that I never went to one.

Another thing is that I often side more with the bad guys in movies than with the weaker heroes and heroines. I'm probably the only person who wanted the Empire to win in "Star Wars". The villains are often so much more interesting anyway. Thus, it's the Satan-worshipping indie band, "Low Shoulder", and their frontman Nikolai (Adam Brody) who stand out the most for me.

Yes, as much as I love Megan Fox as the evil Jennifer, her gory kills and banging body are nothing compared to Adam Brody's ability to make his character so believable, completely two-faced and, basically, an asshole. At the same time, he's a talented asshole too so that makes him rather endearing.

I know it's only a bit of fun but I can really imagine certain indie bands being in league with the Devil. How else would the crappy music that they play become so popular? That, of course, is the main satirical "joke" of the movie and I get it. I think most of the negative reviews of "Jennifer's Body" have been written by people who didn't.

There's nothing else I really want to say about "Jennifer's Body". Although derivative of at least half a dozen other movies including "Tamara" (2005), it's simply a very good example of its type and I recommend it.

About Me

I'm a grumpy Brit who loves watching horror films late at night with two cats for company. I write honest, mostly objective movie reviews, retrospectives, and recommendations punctuated by anything else that takes my fancy. My ongoing mission is to seek out only the best horror films ever made. I do not and will never support or encourage no-budget, backyard epics, horror-comedies, or intentionally badly made horror films. Screeners or movie passes will not guarantee a good review.

"I was browsing your site and think you're probably one of the most knowledgeable horror movie enthusiasts known to man." - Pete, owner of Hauntspace.com (2011)

"I read all your posts and try and share them where I can. At least you're truthful rather than liking everything to kiss ass! One of the only blogs I trust!" - Michael, owner of Left Field Films (2012)

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